A finger condom (also called a finger cot) is a thin pouch made of a stretchy material like latex. It’s placed over a finger and is often used to help prevent infection.

Why Are Finger Condoms Used?

People may use disposable finger condoms (ones that you use once then throw away) to:

• avoid the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during sex using fingers (“fingering”)
• keep germs from getting into cuts on fingers instead of using a bandage

Reusable finger condoms, often made of silicone or rubber, are sometimes used to help do things like turn pages. This type should not be used for cuts or sexual activity.

How Does a Finger Condom Work?

A finger condom comes rolled up like a male condom. It’s placed on the tip of the finger, then rolled down to the base.

Before using a finger condom, wash your hands. After using it, throw it out and clean your hands again. Germs may still be on or in the finger condom, so don’t try to wash and reuse it.

When using finger condoms for sex, be sure to use a new one for different parts of the body, like the vagina and anus. This helps prevent germs from spreading and causing things like urinary tract infections (UTIs).

What Problems Can Happen?

There can be problems with finger condoms, such as:

• Finger condoms could fall off during use. If one stays in the body during sex and you can’t get it out with a clean finger, go to your doctor or a health clinic right away. 
• Fingernails or rings can make a hole in a finger condom. If this happens, throw it away, wash your hands, and use a new one. If the finger condom broke during sex, both you and your partner should get tested for STDs. 
• STDs can be on areas of skin that a finger condom doesn’t cover. So it’s possible to get an STD even if you use this type of protection. The only method that always prevents STDs (and accidental pregnancy) is abstinence (not having sex).

Where Are Finger Condoms Available?

You can buy finger condoms in drugstores and online. Your doctor’s office and health clinics like Planned Parenthood also might have them. 

What Else Should I Know?

Before using a finger condom, make sure that you and your partner aren’t allergic to the material. Some are made of latex, so if either of you has a latex allergy, choose finger condoms made of a different material. As with other types of condoms, don't use oil-based lubricants (such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil) because they can break down the material.

Because finger condoms could slip off, it might be safer to use disposable gloves made of latex or nitrile.

You might have questions about sex, finger condoms, or other ways to help prevent STDs and pregnancy. Talk with a parent or other trusted adult, or your doctor. You can also reach out to a health clinic.